Three killed in Lucknow coaching centre fire, CM Yogi orders swift rescue operations

Lucknow, June 22 (IANS) At least three persons were killed as a fire broke out at a coaching centre in Purania area of Lucknow’s Aliganj on Monday, while many students were trapped inside the building, officials said.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ordered senior officials to rush to the spot and directed a swift rescue operation.

Eight fire tenders were rushed to the spot, and firemen broke down a building wall to evacuate trapped victims, including two dozen students, the police said.

Shakeel Ahmed, a student’s elder brother, rushed to the spot with other guardians of the students.

“My younger brother is trapped inside. The last message we received from him on the phone was that he was rushing towards the washroom to escape the fire and smoke,” he said.

As firemen battled the blaze, some students could be seen jumping from higher floors to escape the flames.

The injured were rushed to the King George Medical University’s (KGMU) Trauma Centre.

Adityanath also monitored the situation and received continuous updates on the rescue operation carried out by the firefighters.

A team of specialist doctors and six ambulances were stationed at the fire spot to offer first-aid and rush the injured to hospitals, the police said.

An official from the Chief Minister’s Office said that soon after receiving information about the incident, CM Adityanath directed the officials concerned to immediately reach the spot and assess the situation.

Necessary guidelines were also issued to the officials to expedite relief and rescue operations, said the CMO official.

The Chief Minister also directed that immediate and adequate medical facilities be provided to the injured.

“The administration has been asked to remain vigilant at all levels and keep a constant watch on the situation. Instructions have also been given to ensure continuous monitoring of relief and rescue operations,” the CMO functionary said.

–IANS

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